Comparing Mammalian Brains

Objective: Students will look at pictures of various mammal brains and compare their similarities and differences. Students will also view the development of the human brain and learn the basic parts of the brain

Site: Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections

http://brainmuseum.org/index.html

Answer all questions on a separate page.

1. Look at the list of specimens on file at this site. Choose 2 specimens to compare and contrast. Pay special attention to the structures of the brain. Though the site lists the animal’s traits, you are here to study the brain

2. Go to the “explore collections” link and view the quicktime movies of the brain.

3. Go to the “brain sections” link. Read the section and write a short paragraph that describes what a brain atlas is.

4. Go to the “brain evolution” link. Watch the pictures of the brain as it cycles through the different animals, eventually showing the human brain. Describe how the brain changes. Be specific.

5. Go to the “brain development” link and watch the pictures as they show the development of a human brain. Describe how the brain changes over time.

6. Go to the “brain functions” link and roll your mouse over the brain to see the names of the different areas. Sketch the brain and identify the areas.

Another Brain Comparison Site

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/kinser/Home1.html